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Butterflies of
the Amazon and Andes
Dingy Emesis
Emesis ocypore
GEYER, 1837
Family - RIODINIDAE
subfamily -
RIODININAE
Tribe -
Incertae sedis
Emesis ocypore ocypore, male,
Mariposas, Satipo,
Peru
Introduction
The
distinctive wing pattern and shape of
Emesis
make them instantly recognisable as a genus, but some of the 41 known species can be
very difficult to tell apart.
The male of
Emesis ocypore is similar to
lucinda, but the latter is larger, has more linear
markings, and has a wider grey area at the apex of the forewings.
Emesis ocypore
is a very widespread species, found from Costa Rica to Peru and Bolivia. There
are 3 subspecies. The illustrated subspecies ocypore
ocypore is found in Peru, Bolivia, and in the states of Mato Grosso and
Rondonia, in Brazil.
Habitats
This species occurs in forested habitats at
altitudes between about 200-1400m.
Lifecycle
I have no
information specific to ocypore. The eggs of
Emesis species are typically white and highly
sculptured. They are laid singly or in clusters of up to 30, according to
species. The known larval foodplants encompass the families Ranunculaceae,
Euphorbiaceae, Rhizophoraceae, Sterculiaceae, Anacardiaceae and Nyctaginaceae.
Adult behaviour
On sunny days males are often seen imbibing
moisture from shady forest
tracks or dry river beds, but in overcast conditions they commonly
appear in more open situations, and sometimes settle on foliage in
forest edge habitats. When feeding they usually hold the wings outspread.
Females are seen
much less frequently as they spend most of their time within the
forest, but can occasionally be seen visiting flowers such as
Lantana,
Casaena, Hamelia or
Croton.
Emesis ocypore ocypore, male,
Mariposas, Satipo,
Peru
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